Merchandising system

ABSTRACT

A merchandising system for storing and displaying at least a first sized product and a second sized product includes a center member, a first member adjustably coupled on a first side of the center member and configured to be adjusted between at least a first position and a second position, and a second member adjustably coupled on a second side of the center member and configured to be adjusted between at least a first position and a second position. The products are configured to be received between the first member and the second member.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the benefit of priority as may beavailable under 35 U.S.C. §§119-21 from the following application: U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 60/364,233 (“MERCHANDISING SYSTEM”)filed Mar. 13, 2002 (incorporated by reference herein).

FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates to a merchandising system. Thepresent invention more specifically relates to a merchandising systemsuch as a tray or divider system for a shelf or the like providing forthe selective adjustment of the width of a shelf division (or a facingor space division on a surface).

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is known to provide a merchandising system on a shelf of ashelving unit so that some type of product or merchandise may be stockedand presented to potential customers in a more orderly or organizedmanner. According to one known arrangement, a merchandising system willprovide several dividers attached to a front and/or rear connectingpiece having slots to retain the dividers. The dividers may be adjustedby repositioning the dividers with respect to the connecting piece,allowing for the system to accommodate variously sized products.However, in this arrangement, when one display area or “facing” needs tobe adjusted, adjacent facings in the system will also have to beadjusted in order to accommodate the same sized product in adjacentfacings. As a result, adjustments to the systems tend to become moreinvolved, even to resize only one product facing, because it may benecessary to resize or adjust other (or all) of the facings in thesystem. Also, adjustments in this arrangement become more involved asthe number of dividers increase. By way of example, one knownarrangement may be provided on a shelf, the arrangement having fifteendividers forming fourteen facings. Should one facing require adjustmentto accommodate a product of different size, all the remaining facingswill also require adjustment in order to keep the same relative spacingof the facings. As a result, these systems may require an increasedamount of time and/or effort in order to resize or reconfigure amerchandising system when products and product sizes change.

[0004] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a merchandisingsystem that provides for the merchandising of a variety of differentlysized products. It would also be advantageous to provide a merchandisingsystem that provides shelf divisions that are selectively adjustable. Itwould further advantageous to provide a merchandising system in whichthe width of one shelf division could be adjusted without altering thewidth of an adjacent shelf division, for example, a merchandising systemthat provides a number of different adjustment positions to accommodatea variety of sized products. It would further be advantageous to providea merchandising system that may offer modularity in construction andassembly of the merchandising system by allowing for the constructionand assembly of one or more tray systems and/or one or more tray systemcomponents. It would further be advantageous to provide a merchandisingsystem which may include an interface configured to selectively engageand disengage as to allow for selective positional adjustment and sizeadjustment of the merchandising system.

[0005] It would be desirable to provide a merchandising system thatprovides any one or more of these or other advantageous features.

SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention relates to a merchandising system forstoring and displaying at least a first sized product and a second sizedproduct. The merchandising system includes a center member, a firstmember adjustably coupled on a first side of the center member andconfigured to be adjusted between at least a first position and a secondposition, and a second member adjustably coupled on a second side of thecenter member and configured to be adjusted between at least a firstposition and a second position. The products are configured to bereceived between the first member and the second member.

[0007] The present invention further relates to a tray for merchandisingproducts having at least a first size and a second size. The trayincludes a center member, a first member coupled on a first side of thecenter member, a second member coupled to a second side of the centermember, a first interface provided between the first member and thecenter member, and a second interface provided between the second memberand the center member. The first interface comprises a first pluralityof notches configured to selectively co-act with a first moveableprojection and wherein the second interface each comprises a secondplurality of notches configured to selectively co-act with a secondmoveable projection.

[0008] The present invention further relates to merchandising traysystem having a first member, a second member adjustably coupled to thefirst member and a first interface provided between the first member andthe second member. The first interface includes a first series ofnotches, and a first arm having a first extension. The first extensionis configured to selectively engage one notch of the first series ofnotches and to disengage the one notch by actuation of the first arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009]FIG. 1A is a front perspective view of a merchandising systemaccording to an exemplary embodiment.

[0010]FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the merchandising systemshown in FIG. 1A.

[0011]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the merchandising systemshown in FIG. 1A.

[0012]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a merchandising system accordingto an exemplary embodiment.

[0013]FIG. 4 is perspective view of the merchandising system shown inFIG. 3 with products provided on the merchandising system.

[0014]FIGS. 5A to 5D illustrate a size adjustment of a merchandisingsystem according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015]FIG. 6 is a cross section view taken along the line 6-6 shown inFIG. 5D.

[0016]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a center member for use with amerchandising system according to an alternative embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Referring to the FIGURES, exemplary embodiments of amerchandising system are shown. The merchandising system may provide fordisplay, space division, and orderly presentation of products. Themerchandising system may provide for selective size (shown as width)adjustment of a product display, “facing,” cell, compartment, or displayarea, while not requiring the width adjustment of adjacent productdisplays, “facings,” cells, compartments, or display areas.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a merchandising system 10 may provideany number of facings (shown as three facings 12 a, 12 b, and 12 c). Asingle facing to be adjusted (for example, to accommodate a differentlysized product), may be readily adjusted without the need to resize any(or potentially all) of the remaining facings such as facings.

[0019] The merchandising system may further provide for modularity inthe construction and assembly of the merchandising system. For example,product displays, “facings,” cells, compartments, or display areas maybe added and/or removed to an existing merchandising system byreconfiguring the number and arrangement of merchandising systems ortrays.

[0020] The merchandising system may be a shelf system, shelf dividersystem, product facing tray system, product self-facing and organizationtray system, divider system, shelf tray system, pusher system,dispensing system, tray system, etc. The merchandising system may beprovided for use on or attached to a structure such as a shelving unit(or any portion of a shelf), rack, display, or other merchandisingsystems; according to an alternative embodiment, the merchandisingsystem may be provided as a separate or independent) merchandisingsystem.

[0021] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a merchandising system 10 comprises acenter member 20, a first member 30 (shown as a side member), a secondmember 40 (also shown as a side member), and interfaces 60 betweencenter member 20 and side members 30 and 40 respectively.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, center member 20 is a track, base, etc., andhas an elongated shape. Center member 20 comprises a slot 22, one ormore interfaces 24, and one or more guides 26.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 3, slot 22 is a track, pusher track, channel,etc. Center member 20 is provided with slot 22 along a central portionof center member 20. Slot 22 is a channel, track, etc., in which apusher system 80 moves in order to urge or move products towards a frontof merchandising system 10. Slot 22 is provided along a center axis ofcenter member 20. According to alternative embodiments, the slot isprovided along a variety of locations and placements on or in the centermember as to allow the operation of the pusher assembly.

[0024] Center member 20 is e provided with one or more interfaces 24provided on the center member. Interface 24 comprises teeth, notches,gaps, tabs, projections, connectors, connector pieces, couplers, etc.Interface 24 provides for selective engagement with an interface 34 ofside member 30 or 40. (Generally, one or two or more interfaces 24 andinterfaces 34 comprise a single interface 60 referenced above which isprovided between center member 20 and side members 30 or 40). Interface24 provides projections, tabs, interconnects, recesses, apertures,teeth, gaps, notches, etc. sized and configured to selectively engageinterface 34 on side member 30 or 40. As shown in FIG. 2, interface 24provided on center member 20 is a series or index of gaps or notches 90provided along a protruding member 92. As shown in FIG. 3, member 92extends away from center member 20, in a direction in which the sidemembers and center member will be adjusted relative to each other.According to various alternative embodiments, the placement, arrangementand position of interfaces, and the number of adjustment positions maybe varied.

[0025] According to an exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 2, one or moreguides 26 are provided on center member 20. Guide 26 is a slot, rail,guide, track, etc. Guide 26 interfaces with an extension 46 provided onside member 30 or 40. Guide 26 may assist to provide stability tomerchandising system 10. Guide 26 may further limit the movement ormotion of side member 30 or 40 relative to center member 20. Accordingto an exemplary embodiment, guide 26 is formed between member 96 andmember 92.

[0026] A cross member 1 02 is provided to rigidify or reinforce centermember 20. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, crossmember 102 couples to center member 20 by clips 104. Clips 104 have anengagement portion which couples or co-acts at apertures 106 provided oncenter member 20.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, merchandising system 10 further includes sidemembers 30 and 40. Side members 30 and 40 are configured to retain,hold, or divide product within merchandising system 10, as well asbetween multiple merchandising systems. According to a particularlypreferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1B, side members 30 and 40 comprise adivider panel 110, one or more end panels 112, and one or moreinterfaces 34 configured to selectively engage and disengage withinterfaces 24 provided on center member 20. As shown in FIG. 2,interface 34 is a cantilevered member or beam, having projections 120configured to selectively engage the gaps, notches, etc., provided oninterface 24 of center member 20. According to a particularly preferredembodiment, two interfaces 34 are provided on each side member 30 and40. According to various alternative embodiments, the arrangement andconfiguration of the interfaces may be altered or reversed.

[0028] The interface may comprise teeth, notches, gaps, tabs,projections, a connector, a coupler, etc. According to a particularlypreferred embodiment, interface 34 comprises a flange or tab or arm thatis configured to be movable (e.g. moved, deflected, actuated, deformed,depressed, moved in a vertical direction, etc.) and preferably will beflexible as to allow temporary deformation when a load is applied (e.g.by depressing) and will return to the original form (e.g. spring back)when the load is removed. Interface 34 is shown as a cantilever memberor beam on side member 30 but may be provided in alternativeorientations. Projections or tabs or nibs 120 provided on the end of thecantilever co-act with gaps or projections on interface 24, therebyproviding selective adjustability or movement, and also retaining theposition of side member 30 and 40 and center member 20 with respect toeach other.

[0029] Members 30 and 40 also comprise guides or alignment extensions 46which interface with guides 26 on center member 20 as shown in FIG. 2.The interface between these guides or alignments facilitates the easyadjustment in width between center member 20 and side members 30 and/or40, while also providing a track or otherwise limiting the motion) ofside member 30 or 40 and center member 20 moving relative to each other.

[0030] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, guide 26 hasone or more surfaces 116 on which extensions 46 coact (see FIG. 6). Thisarrangement assists in providing vertical support of side member 30 or40 when the cantilevered arm on side member 30 or 40 is depressed foradjustment. Other surfaces may be provided at different locations toserve the same purpose.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, side member 30 or 40 further includean additional interface 136 provided on the outside of the member,configured to engage with a corresponding interface 138 on an adjacentside member. According to one exemplary embodiment shown in FIGS. 3 and4, interface 136 is shown as a dovetail portion. The dovetail portion isconfigured to engage or co-act with a corresponding dovetail portionprovided on an adjacent second side member of an adjacent merchandisingsystem. Other interfaces/engagement portions may be used to couple orattach side members together (as shown in FIG. 3).

[0032] According to a particularly preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 1,side members 30 and 40 are generally symmetrical. However, engagementportion 138 (shown as a dovetail portion) is configured to receivecorresponding dovetail portion 136 of side member 30.

[0033] Center member 20 and side members 30 and 40 may generally be madefrom injection molded plastic. The interfaces may as well beconstructed, or assembled, from injected molded plastic. The variousmembers may be formed separately and then connected using a sonicwelding process (or other suitable attachment technique). A variety ofplastics may be used in constructing the center member and the first andsecond side members. For example, these members may be constructed fromhigh-impact plastics, polymers, other plastics, and the like. Usingplastic offers several advantages including that the elements aremultiple in a variety of colors, surface finishes, textures and othertreatments, etc. Other materials such as composites, metals, wood, etc.may alternatively be used.

[0034] A merchandising system may be provided to display, merchandise,organize, or dispense various products in an organized and orderlyfashion. According to an exemplary embodiment, merchandising system 10includes pusher assembly 80. Pusher assembly 80 has a spring biased orspring urged member or pusher face 82 to urge forward product towardsthe front of the merchandising system. Product is retained by end panels112 and a front lens 132. (Front lens 132 is releasably coupled tocenter member 20 via fingers 136 coupling to apertures 138 via asnap-fit.) Members 20, 30 and 40 forms a surface 152 on which product issupported. Friction reducing ribs 154 are provided on surface 152 toreduce friction on the bottom surface of the products, allowing them tobe moved more easily. This configuration results in an orderly, andneatly faced merchandising system and overall shelf appearance. Pusherassembly 80 is generally configured to automatically advance producttowards the front of the merchandising system. According to variousalternative embodiments, a wide variety of merchandising systems or traysystems may be used, including pusher and non-pusher assembly trays.

[0035] Merchandising system 10 may be placed on a top surface of ashelf. Merchandising system 10 may additionally or alternatively beattached to the top surface of the shelf using a low-bond adhesive whichwould restrict motion of the merchandising system relative to the topsurface, but allow the merchandising system to be removable withrelative ease. Alternatively, merchandising system 10 may comprisenon-skid feet 1 86 (e.g. of rubber or another elastomeric material orthe like) as shown in FIG. 2.

[0036] According to one exemplary embodiment, the merchandising systemis intended to provide shelf dividers that may be selectively adjustedto accommodate products of different sizes. Products or merchandise willbe placed between dividers (e.g. side members 30 and 40) shown in FIG.4. Pusher assembly 80 will be in a position back from the front of theshelf when fully stocked with products. As products are removed from thedivider system, the pusher assembly (e.g. urged forward by a coilspring) will push the remaining product forward to the front ofmerchandising system. It should be noted, however, that the pushersystem is not required for use in alternative embodiments, which may beused in conjunction with other shelving dividers arrangements (such asbasic wall dividers).

[0037] One or more merchandising systems are interconnected to providemodularity in the construction and arrangement of a larger merchandisingsystem (e.g. via connections shown as dovetail portions) as shown inFIG. 3. According to various alternative embodiments, a wide variety ofinterfaces may be used, including clips, connectors, teeth, notches, orother connections or interfaces.

[0038] Merchandising system 10 allows side members 30 and 40 (e.g.,dividers) to be reconfigured and resized for divisions that convenientlyallow for the display of different sized products. Furthermore,merchandising system 10 allows for the selective adjustment of onemerchandising system without the need to resize adjacent merchandisingsystems. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, merchandising system 10 may beresized to accommodate differently sized products (shown as product 200a having width “A”, product 200 b having width “B”, and product 200 chaving width “C”.

[0039] According to one exemplary embodiment, merchandising system 10allows individual merchandising systems to be reconfigured and resizedfor different divisions, thereby allowing for the display of differentand variously sized products. Merchandising system 10 generallycomprises center member 20 and side members 30 and 40, each of whichselectively interface and are adjustably coupled, providing for secureengagement.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5D, the spacing or width between centermember 20 and side member 30 or 40 are adjusted by depressing interface34 (e.g. the cantilevered member), thereby disengaging projections 120from gaps or teeth 90 (see FIG. 5A). Once disengaged, the relativespacing is adjusted between center member 20 and side member 30 or 40 bymoving or sliding center member 20 and side member 30 or 40 with respectto each other (see FIGS. 5B and 5C). When the desired spacing has beenachieved, the cantilevered member is released, thereby re-engagingprojections 120 with the gaps or notches 90 (see FIG. 5D).

[0041] The interfaces and members shown in the FIGURES provides certainadvantages. The interfaces and members advantageously allow for simpleand convenient construction, being easier to mold, costing less to mold,reducing production times, etc. Additionally, the merchandising systemsmay be provided in variable lengths and widths. This allows themerchandising system to accommodate products and shelving spacing ofeven further varying dimensions. As shown in FIG. 7, a center member 320is shown having a lesser width than center member 20.

[0042] According to another alternative embodiment (not shown), amerchandising system may comprise a first member and a second member,and one or more interfaces between the members. The merchandising systemmay be similar in arrangement and construction to the merchandisingsystems shown in the FIGURES, however the center member and one sidemember may be constructed or assembled as a single element. As such, themerchandising system would have one width adjustment available, asopposed to two width adjustments of the particularly preferredembodiments.

[0043] It is also important to note that the construction andarrangement of the elements of the merchandising system as shown in thepreferred exemplary and alternative embodiments is illustrative only.Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have beendescribed in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art whoreview this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modificationsare possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapesand proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thesubject matter recited in the claims. For example, elements shown asintegrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements showas multiple parts may be integrally formed, the operation of theinterface of the members of the merchandising system may be reversed orotherwise varied, the length or width of the elements of the system maybe varied, the nature or number of discrete adjustment positionsprovided between the center member and the side members may be varied(e.g. by variations in the number of engagement points or size of theengagement points or type of engagement). It should be noted that theelements and/or assemblies of the system may be constructed from any ofa wide variety of materials that provide sufficient strength ordurability, including any of a wide variety of moldable plasticmaterials (such as high-impact plastic) in any of a wide variety ofcolors, textures and combinations. It should also be noted that themerchandising system may be used in association with a shelf (e.g. of ashelving unit or the like) or any of a wide variety of other surfaces inany of a wide variety of other applications. Accordingly, all suchmodifications are intended to be included within the scope of thepresent inventions. Other substitutions, modifications, changes andomissions may be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit of the present invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A merchandising system comprising: a firstcompartment having a first width defined by a distance between a firstside member and a second side member; a second compartment having asecond width defined by a distance between a third side member and afourth side member; wherein the first width can be adjustedindependently of the second width by positioning of an interface, theinterface adjustably coupling the first side member and the second sidemember.
 2. The merchandising system of claim 1 wherein the interfacefurther comprises: a plurality of notches; and a projection thatselectively co-acts with one notch of the plurality of notches in afirst position, and selectively co-acts with another notch of theplurality of notches in a second position.
 3. The merchandising systemof claim 1 wherein the first side member comprises a first wall portionand the second side member comprises a second wall portion.
 4. Themerchandising system of claim 1 further comprising a guide providedbetween the first side member and the second side member.
 5. Themerchandising system of claim 1 wherein the interface comprises a firstinterface and a second interface.
 6. The merchandising system of claim 1further comprising a base provided between the first side member and thesecond side member.
 7. The merchandising system of claim 6 wherein theinterface is coupled to the base.
 8. The merchandising system of claim 6wherein the interface couples the first member to the base, and whereinthe interface couples the second member to the base.
 9. Themerchandising system of claim 6 wherein the base comprises a centermember.
 10. The merchandising system of claim 9 wherein the interfacefurther comprises a first interface and a second interface, wherein thefirst interface couples the first member to the center member, andwherein the second interface couples the second member to the centermember.
 11. A merchandising system comprising: a first apparatuscomprising: a first member; a second member configured to be adjustedbetween at least a first position and a second position; and a thirdmember configured to be adjusted between at least a first position and asecond position; a second apparatus comprising: a first member; a secondmember configured to be adjusted between at least a first position and asecond position; and a third member configured to be adjusted between atleast a first position and a second position; wherein the third memberof the first apparatus is coupled to the second member of the secondapparatus.
 12. A merchandising system for storing and displaying atleast a first sized product and a second sized product, themerchandising system comprising: a center member; a first memberadjustably coupled on a first side of the center member and configuredto be adjusted between at least a first position and a second position;and a second member adjustably coupled on a second side of the centermember and configured to be adjusted between at least a first positionand a second position; wherein the products are configured to bereceived between the first member and the second member.
 13. Themerchandising system of claim 12 further comprising a first interfaceprovided between the center member and the first member, and a secondinterface provided between the center member and the second member. 14.The merchandising system of claim 13 wherein the first interface and thesecond interface each further comprise: a plurality of notches; and aprojection that selectively co-acts with one notch of the plurality ofnotches in the first position, and selectively co-acts with anothernotch of the plurality of notches in the second position.
 15. Themerchandising system of claim 14 wherein the first interface furthercomprises: a first arm coupled to the first side member; and a firstprojection provided on the first arm.
 16. The merchandising system ofclaim 15 wherein the first interface further comprises: a second armcoupled to the first side member; and a second projection provided onthe second arm.
 17. The merchandising system of claim 15 wherein thefirst arm comprises a first cantilevered arm and the second armcomprises a second cantilevered arm, wherein the first cantilevered armand the second cantilevered arm each have a free end and a fixed end,and wherein the first projection is provided near the free end of thefirst cantilevered arm and the second projection is provided near thefree end of the second cantilevered arm.
 18. The merchandising system ofclaim 15 wherein the first interface allows for spacing adjustmentbetween the center member and the first member when the free end of thefirst arm is moved.
 19. The merchandising system of claim 18 movement ofthe free end of the first arm comprises at least one of vertical motionand deflection.
 20. The merchandising system of claim 12 furthercomprising a pusher assembly configured to bias products toward a frontof the merchandising system.
 21. The merchandising system of claim 12further comprising means for coupling the first member to an adjacentsecond member of a second merchandising system.
 22. A tray formerchandising products having at least a first size and a second size,the tray comprising: a center member; a first member coupled on a firstside of the center member; a second member coupled to a second side ofthe center member; a first interface provided between the first memberand the center member; and a second interface provided between thesecond member and the center member; wherein the first interfacecomprises a first plurality of notches configured to selectively co-actwith a first moveable projection and wherein the second interface eachcomprises a second plurality of notches configured to selectively co-actwith a second moveable projection.
 23. The tray of claim 22 wherein thefirst plurality of notches and second plurality of notches are providedon the center member.
 24. The tray of claim 22 wherein the firstmoveable projection is provided on the first member and wherein thesecond moveable projection is provided on the second member.
 25. Thetray of claim 22 further comprising a first cantilevered arm coupled tothe first member and a second cantilevered arm coupled the second memberand wherein the first moveable projection is provided on the firstcantilevered arm and the second moveable projection is provided on thesecond cantilevered arm.
 26. The tray of claim 22 wherein the firstinterface is configured to provide for the selective size adjustmentbetween the first member and the center member and the second interfaceis configured to provide for the selective size adjustment between thesecond member and the center member.
 27. The tray of claim 26 where theselective size adjustment is a selective width adjustment.
 28. The trayof claim 26 wherein the first member and the center member may beadjusted between a first position and a second position.
 29. The tray ofclaim 28 wherein the first member and the center member may be adjustedbetween a plurality of positions between the first position and thesecond position.
 30. The tray of claim 22 wherein the center member, thefirst member and the second member comprise a surface to supportproducts.
 31. The tray of claim 30 further comprising friction reducingribs provided on the surface.
 32. A merchandising system comprising: afirst member; a second member adjustably coupled to the first member;and a first interface provided between the first member and the secondmember, wherein the first interface comprises: a first series ofnotches; and a first arm having a first extension; wherein the firstextension is configured to selectively engage one notch of the firstseries of notches and to disengage the one notch by actuation of thefirst arm.
 33. The merchandising system of claim 32 wherein the firstextension is configured to disengage the one notch by depression of thefirst arm.
 34. The merchandising system of claim 32 further comprising athird member adjustably coupled to the first member.
 35. Themerchandising system of claim 34 further comprising: a second interfaceprovided between the first member and the third member, wherein thesecond interface comprises: a second series of notches; and a second armhaving a second extension; wherein the second extension is configured toengage one notch of the second series of notches and to disengage theone notch by actuation of the second arm.